Bearfort Ridge Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views

The white-blazed Bearfort Ridge Trail begins just off of Warwick Turnpike. After a few minutes of hiking, it quickly turns uphill, with over 600 feet of elevation gain in about a mile. The first hill encountered is nominal, but the second you have to work for with an extended period of 15% grade or so. There is also a minor rock scramble at the top to add to the enjoyment.

The next two miles have minimal elevation gains and some obstructed views of the surrounding hillsides. Around the 2.6-mile mark, there is an interesting rock ledge/chasm to traverse. Soon after, there are good views of the distant rolling hills and eventually, just before the trail ends, you can see a portion of the NYC skyline on a clear day.

Note 1: The exposed bedrock is covered with lichen, and on a wet day, it's extremely slippery. Even the slightest decline that would otherwise be routine becomes a challenge in the rain.

Note 2: Parking off of Warwick Turnpike is very limited at the trailhead (41.155770, -74.362864). There are other turn-out parking spaces both east and west of the trailhead, but that means you'll have to hoof it a few minutes to get to the trail's start.

Northern Jersey hardwood forest dominate this area, and scrub pines grow along the ridge itself.